It may be 2025, but I’m still all in on Blu-ray. Sure, standalone Blu-ray player production has decreased, but they’re still one of the best ways to watch—and actually own—the media you love.
1
You Actually Own Your Movies
When you buy a Blu-ray, that title is yours. I mean yours in the way a book on your shelf is yours. You can hold it, lend it, rip it (for personal use, of course), and watch it anytime, anywhere. This, without paying a monthly subscription or fearing that your favorite streaming platform might one day lose its licensing agreement or decide it is “problematic” and quietly remove it.
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And it’s not just me who buys into this ideology. Even filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, in an X post responding to Christopher Nolan’s concern about content disappearing from streaming services, emphasized how owning Blu-rays turns us into caretakers—people who help keep these stories alive for the next generation. That says it all.
2
Less Compression, More Authentic Viewing
Even in 4K, the movie you stream is a compressed version of the original content. Platforms use this method to send high-resolution video over average internet connections without constant buffering or glitches. But all that compression comes at a cost.
A Blu-ray disc—especially a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray—offers bitrates that are often four to five times higher (up to 128 Mbps) than streaming services like Apple TV, Netflix, or even Disney+ (typically capped at 25–35 Mbps for 4K content). In plain speak, that means more detail, richer color gradients, and fewer of those weird digital artifacts that can make dark scenes look like a muddy mess.
Beyond video, audio quality is another area where Blu-ray leaves streaming in the dust. Offering lossless formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, you get the full, uncompressed sound that the filmmakers intended. Streaming platforms, to their credit, are making progress, but they mostly still rely on compressed formats like Dolby Digital Plus. It’s good enough for most setups, but if you’ve ever experienced the depth and clarity of Blu-ray audio, you’ll know there’s still a noticeable gap.
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3
No Internet? No Problem!
Streaming is great until your internet cuts out or you’re stuck somewhere with a spotty signal. Even with perfect internet service, we’re increasingly seeing data caps implemented by ISPs. Streaming a 4K movie can easily consume 7-15GB of data per title. Stack up a few movie nights and toss in a couple of gamers, remote workers, or binge-watchers in the house, and you might be well on your way to exceeding your monthly allowance halfway through the month.
Blu-rays sidestep these vulnerabilities entirely. It doesn’t care about your Wi-Fi signal strength or whether your internet service provider (ISP) is experiencing issues. As long as you have power and a working Blu-ray player, your entertainment continues uninterrupted.
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4
Blu-rays Often Include Exclusive Bonus Content and Collector’s Editions
When you buy a Blu-ray, you are not just buying the movie—you are buying an experience. Some digital platforms might toss in a short behind-the-scenes clip or a commentary track if you’re lucky, but Blu-rays are packed to the brim. They can include director’s commentaries, where filmmakers share insights into their creative decisions; behind-the-scenes documentaries that detail production challenges; deleted scenes offering alternative storylines; and even concept art or storyboards.
For instance, the 4K release of Summer Wars by Mamoru Hosoda, released on April 1, 2025, and available for purchase on Amazon, features special interviews with the original cast involved in the film’s creation. Similarly, The Long Kiss Goodnight 4K, released on April 8, 2025, includes an illustrated collector’s booklet, three visual essays on women’s roles, and three cast/crew interviews, which adds depth you will typically not find on streaming platforms.
Then, there are collector’s editions that elevate Blu-rays by including physical items that appeal to fans and collectors. These range from limited-edition Steelbooks with unique artwork to box sets with additional merchandise. For example, Demolition Man 4K, released on December 17, 2024, included a 60-page booklet, new commentaries, interviews, a visual essay titled Somewhere Over The Rambo, and seashell stickers referencing a quirky scene from the film.
If you want to see what else is out there, check out websites like HMV and Umbrella Entertainment. HMV offers limited-edition steel books that look great on a shelf, while Umbrella goes all in with sets like Late Night With The Devil Collector’s Edition, which comes with a Blu-ray, a VHS, a TV guide, a book, a rigid case, a poster, and a stack of art cards. It’s weird and wonderful, and that’s the point.
5
Blu-ray Collections Look and Feel Great
There is a visual allure that comes with a Blu-ray collection. Beyond being storage, it’s your personal movie museum and a tangible representation of your taste. This physical presence feels refreshingly analog, akin to displaying a vinyl record collection or a bookshelf of novels. It’s a conversation starter, a way to showcase your passion, and a nod to the art of film.
The ritual of grabbing a Blu-ray, opening the case, and sliding the disc into a player adds another layer of experience that streaming can’t replicate. It’s deliberate and mindful and roots you in the moment. For parents, Blu-rays have the perk of you controlling what’s available. Your kids pick from the stack you’ve set out, and don’t just scroll through an endless feed that might bring forward inappropriate options.
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6
You Can Resell Blu-rays
Collectors are always on the hunt for rare editions, steelbooks, or even just high-quality discs of their favorite films. So, if you’ve got a limited-edition release or a hard-to-find title, you might be sitting on a small gold mine. Platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and even niche collector forums are great places to connect with buyers willing to pay top dollar for the right Blu-ray.
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Even if your collection isn’t full of rare gems, standard releases still offer value. People often buy pre-owned Blu-rays because they’re cheaper than new ones but still offer the same high-quality viewing experience. Plus, with streaming services constantly losing licensing rights to movies, more people are turning back to physical media for reliable access to their favorite films.
So here’s a quick tip: keep your Blu-rays in good condition if you plan to resell them, as scratches on the disc or damage to the case can lower their value significantly. Also, don’t toss out those original cases or inserts—they make your listing look more professional and appealing to buyers.
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Another great move you can make is to bundle your Blu-rays into themed sets when selling them. For example, group together all your Marvel movies or classic horror flicks. Buyers love curated collections, and bundling can help you offload multiple titles while commanding a slightly higher price.
